Status of Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) production on its challenges and prospect in Zamboanga del Norte Province in the Philippines
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International Journal of Agricultural Technology 2022Vol. 18(3):1075-1092
Available online http://www.ijat-aatsea.com
ISSN 2630-0192 (Online)
Status of Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) production on its
challenges and prospect in Zamboanga del Norte Province in
the Philippines
Magallon, W. N.1, Patalinghug, M. E.2*and Tangalin, MG. G.1
1
School of Agriculture, J.H. Cerilles State College, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur, 7028,
Philippines; 2School of Arts and Sciences, J.H. Cerilles State College, Dumingag, Zamboanga
del Sur, 7028, Philippines.
Magallon, W. N., Patalinghug, M. E. and Tangalin, MG. G. (2022). Status of Cacao
(Theobroma cacao L.) production on its challenges and prospect in Zamboanga del Norte
Province in the Philippines. International Journal of Agricultural Technology 18(3):1075-1092.
Abstract Examining the status of cacao production, challenges, and prospects of cacao farmers
in Zamboanga del Sur province were done in this study. The investigation revealed that cacao
farming was practiced by males (244 or 65.10%) and female cacao farmers (34%) who are
primarily married with secondary educational backgrounds. Most cacao farmers were their
productive age ranging from 50-59 years old (42.93%), 40-49 years old (34.4%). However,
fewer young people engaged in cacao farming aged below 40 years old (7.46%). The primary
occupation of the respondents was farming (86.13%), tilling their owned land (84.53%), and
with an average annual income below 60,000 pesos (50.40%). The average farm size was at 1-3
hectares (80.00%), having a plain (40.27%) to rolling topography (47.47%) planted with UF 18
(50.13%) and BR 25 (49.87%) varieties of cacao. Intercropping was observed (99.20%) with
coconut (79.20%) and banana (14.67%) planted along with cacao. Pest infestation of stem borer
(59.73%) and bugs (22.67%) were observed at a low level (79.20%) and controlled using
Lamdacyhalothrin (86.40%) as a chemical spray. Moreover, cacao diseases in farms were at a
low incidence level (74.13%), with vascular streak dieback (53.06%) as the most common
disease among farms, and the method of controlling the spread was using chemicals (53.60%)
and synthetic pesticides (100%) as a spray. Farms established 2 years from sowing (90.13%)
observed farm management practices such as weeding twice a year (45.33%), fertilizer
application 4 times a year (88.00%) using 1-3 bags per hectare (85.06%). Cacao trees produced
0.50-1.50 (50.00%) of seeds per tree. Cacao products are sold in dried form (60.98%) with
prices ranging from 81-100/kilogram through cooperative (100%). Farmers faced numerous
challenges, the most significant of which were the high cost of routine maintenance (such as
cleaning/brushing) and shortage of laborers. The accessibility from the farm to the market road
was also seen as a challenge among them. The province's cacao agricultural stakeholders
extended to support services to farmers such as free planting materials, credit assistance, cacao
production seminars, and post-harvest facilities, which were all considered valuable to farmers
in addressing the challenges they faced on cacao farming and production.
Keywords: Cacao production, Theobroma cacao L., Challenges of production, Prospect of
cacao production
*
Corresponding Author: Patalinghug, M. E.: Email: mark.patalinghug@jhcsc.edu.ph
`Introduction
Theobroma cacao, the scientific name of cacao, literally translates as
“food of the gods” in Greek (Bureau of Plant Industry, 2017). Cacao is
developing as an important economic development engine in several countries
throughout the world. As cocoa beans' supply and demand imbalance widens in
recent years, the cacao industry has begun to acquire traction in domestic and
international markets, resulting in increased recognition for the industry
(Bureau of Plant Industry, 2017). It was projected that by 2020, global cocoa
(Theobroma cacao L.) demand is anticipated to be between 4.7 and 5 million
metric tons (MT), and production capacity would be 1 million MT short. Along
with the rising demand for the commodity, cocoa bean output has skyrocketed
due to the rapid expansion of small farmer participation. The increase in the
global market is a chance for the Philippines to expand its economy and create
more jobs. Despite significant competitive advantages, the Philippines'
participation in the cocoa-chocolate engagement is limited (DTI, 2017).
When it comes to cacao production, there are many different options and
prospects. Demand for cacao-based products is increasing, but the supply of
these items is still insufficient in domestic and international markets (Lirag,
2021). Considering the growing global demand for cacao beans, commercial
production of cacao is one of the recommended activities included in the
Philippines' 2017-2022 Investment Priorities Plan and Philippine Cacao
Industry Road Map.
Due to its climate and favorable geographic location, the Philippines is
suitable for cacao production and accessibility to both domestic and
international trade. Local farmers and exporters have become more motivated
to advocate for a more dynamic and competitive cacao industry that can
compete with other major cacao-growing nations, such as Brazil and Colombia
(DTI, 2017). Moreover, Cacao has been listed as one of the vital crops in the
Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research
and Development's Industry Strategic Science and Technology Plans. The goal
of the plan is to improve the cocoa business by using scientific and innovative
methods.
However, the cocoa business in the Philippines is currently experiencing a
resurgence. After it has observed a rise in cocoa production volumes since
2006, the government implemented policy measures to ensure the industry's
continued growth through R.A. 7900, also known as the High-Value Crop
Development Program Act, emphasizing the intensification of cocoa production
as one of its priorities. Additionally, local farmers have increased their interest
1076International Journal of Agricultural Technology 2022Vol. 18(3):1075-1092
in cocoa planting due to the increasing demand for cocoa from both domestic
and international markets (Peace and Equity Foundation, 2016).
Considering these opportunities, local farmers, particularly in Zamboanga
del Norte, have become more interested because regional and international
demand for cocoa products far exceeds the country's production capacity, and
world cocoa prices have remained consistently favorable over the past several
years.
On the other hand, farmers faced difficulties farming and producing
cacao, which was not easy to grow due to potential threats that might attack the
cacao trees. According to Junaid (2015), cacao has four primary threated on and
off the plantation that must be addressed. These difficulties are characterized by
the low yield on cocoa plants, severe pests and diseases, a lack of skills and
knowledge of good agricultural practices among farmers, and soil and post-
harvest handling management. Aside from the above-cited difficulties, many
cocoa farms are increased to old with some in production for more than 25
years (Nabua et al., 2013). Furthermore, cocoa plantations have been severely
affected by pests and diseases (Marelli et al., 2019), with cocoa pests such as
cocoa pod borer and fruit suckers being particularly problematic
(Helopelthissp.), as well as cocoa diseases such as black pod disease vascular
streak dieback, known as vsd.
Moreover, smallholder cocoa producers are believed to be more likely
than larger-scale cocoa growers to lack the necessary skills and understanding
of appropriate agricultural techniques. The number of minerals in farms where
cocoa crops are planted to be dwindling, and many farms lack post-harvest
processing. The combination of these factors posed a serious challenge to cocoa
production. Considering these factors, cacao may find itself in a weaker
bargaining position than other crops such as palm oil, which is boomed at the
moment, and corn (Junaid, 2015).
Cacao growers face several issues because of those mentioned above,
prompting research to identify potential remedies. There may be a way to reach
this goal by conducting a comprehensive investigation of cacao production at a
provincial level. This study should look at everything from labor costs and
returns to the expanding potential and prospects for cacao production that come
from it. It is imperative that research for this area needs urgency to make
decisive actions to address the need of cacao farmers.
The findings of this study was to serve as a valuable source of reliable
information about the cacao production status, compelling challenges
encountered, and prospects of cacao farmers in Zamboanga del Norte;
information that would be assisted cacao farmers, traders, government, and
private sectors in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
1077Materials and methods
The researchers utilized a descriptive-quantitative survey research
approach to collect data on the status of cacao production, its challenges, and
prospects in the province of Zamboanga del Norte. A total of 13 municipalities
and 1 city were selected as the site for this study where high cacao production is
evident.
The respondents of this study were chosen purposively among the cacao
farmers of selected municipalities of Zamboanga del Norte who had at least 50
and above cacao trees in the production stage. In the first district, which covers
Dapitan City, Polanco, Piñan, and Mutia, there were 111 respondents in the
second district, municipalities of Roxas, Jose Dalman, Manukan, Sindangan,
and Siayan with 98 respondents and in the third district which included
municipalities of Liloy, Tampilisan, Gulatac, Baliguian, and Siocon 166
respondents were chosen. A total of 375 cacao farmers in the province
participated in this study.
The researcher used a survey questionnaire checklist as the main
instrument in gathering needed data from the respondents. The questionnaire
checklist consisted of the following parts: Part 1, Socio-demographic Profile of
the Respondent; Part 2, Status of Cacao Production Part 3, Challenges
Encountered by the respondent; Part 4, Prospects and suggested solutions of
cacao farmers in the Province of Zamboanga del Norte.
The researchers made sure that the data gathering conformed with ethical
standards in conducting survey research. The data gathering started in
November 2018 and ended in March 2019.
After retrieving all the completed questionnaire checklists from the
respondents, total responses for each item were consolidated and tabulated. The
results were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts,
percentages, and ranked respectively.
Results
A four-dimensional discussion was presented the findings of this study,
namely; 1) Descriptive analysis of the profile of the cacao farmers in
Zamboanga del Norte province in the Philippines; 2) Descriptive analysis of the
status of cacao production in Zamboanga del Norte province in the Philippines;
3) Descriptive analysis of the challenges in cacao farming encountered by the
cacao farmers; 4) Descriptive analysis on the prospects and suggested solutions
of farmers for the cacao production.
1078International Journal of Agricultural Technology 2022Vol. 18(3):1075-1092
Descriptive analysis of the profile of the cacao farmers in Zamboanga del
Norte province in the Philippines
The profile of cacao farmers in terms of sex, civil status, age, religion,
and educational attainment is presented in Table 1. Most of the cacao-farmer
respondents in the province of Zamboanga del Norte were males, with 244 or
65.10%, while the remaining 131 or 34% were females. These data showed that
males mainly venture to farm. However, females were also engaged in farming
endeavors.
Most of the cacao-farmers respondents are married with 342 or 91.2%,
single with 17 or 4.53%, a widow with 14 or 3.73%, and separated with 2 or
0.53%. It showed that married persons were to do farming activities to augment
their income for their basic needs.
As to the age of the farmer-respondent, 161 or 42.93% were 50-59 years
old, 129 or 34.4% were 40-49 years old, and 48 or 12.8%, 28 or 7.46 were 60
years old and above, and 30-39 years old, respectively. It showed that most
farmers who had interested in cacao farming were 50-59 years old.
Their religious affiliation of 325 or 86.67% were Roman Catholic, 16 or
4.27% Alliance and 16 or 4.27% SDA, 9 or 2.40% UCCP, 7 or 1.87% Iglesia
ni Cristo, and 2 or 0.53% Islam. Generally, Roman Catholic is the dominant.
23 religions of the cacao farmers in Zamboanga del Norte.
Regarding their educational attainment, 145 or 38.66% were high school
level, 124 or 33.06% elementary level; 64 or 17.06% college level; 40 or
10.56% were professionals and 2 or 0.53% with no schooling. This implies that
most farmer-respondents obtained a high school level of their education.
The profile of cacao farmers in terms of the main occupation, the
number of family members and membership in the organization, land tenure
status, and average family annual income of the respondents is presented in
Table 2. Out of the 375 respondents, 323 or 86. 13% were in farming, 30 or 8%
were in Business, 15 or 4% were government employees, and the remaining 7
or 1.87% were private employees. This attests that farming was the dominant
occupation of cacao farmers in Zamboanga del Norte. Regarding the number of
family members recorded that 206 or 54.93% had 1-3 families members, 129 or
34.40%, 40 or 10.68% had 4-6 and 7-9 members, respectively.
In terms of membership in an organization, 274 or 73% members of
farmer’s cooperative and 101 or 26.93% were in the farmers’ association. This
implies that all cacao farmers were members of specific organizations, making
them more attractive to prospective buyers and consequently demanding a
higher price. As to the tenurial land status, 317 or 84.53% were the owner
1079cultivators; 31 or 8.26% were land transfer beneficiaries, and 27 or 7.20 were
tenants. This implies that most of the cacao farmers were landowners.
Table 1. Profile of cacao farmers in terms of gender, civil status, age, religion,
and educational attainment
Variable F Percentage %
Gender
Male 244 65.10
Female 131 34.90
Total 375 100.00
Civil Status
Single 17 4.53
Married 342 91.20
Widow 14 3.73
Separated 2 0.53
Total 375 100.00
Age
60 above 48 12.80
50-59 yrs old 161 42.93
40-49 yrs old 129 34.40
30-39 yrs old 28 7.46
Total 375 100.00
Religion
Alliance 16 4.27
UCCP 9 2.40
Iglesia ni Cristo 7 1.87
SDA 16 4.27
Roman Catholic 325 86.67
Islam 2 0.53
Total 375 100.00
Educational Attainment
No Schooling 2 0.53
Elementary level 124 33.06
High School level 145 38.66
College Level 64 17.06
Professionals 40 10.66
Total 375 100.00
About their averaged family annual income, 189 or 50.40% had income
below 60,000 pesos, 77 or 20.53% with P60,000-120,000, 52 or 13. 86%
P120,000-180,000, 26 or 6.93% P180, 000-240,000; 21 or 5.60% 26 240,000-
300,000; and 10 or 2.67% 300,000 and above annual income, respectively. This
means that most of the farmers engaged in cacao farming were in hand to
mouth existence who are merely depended on their farm's given inputs.
1080International Journal of Agricultural Technology 2022Vol. 18(3):1075-1092
Table 2. Profile of the cacao farmers in terms of the main occupation, number
of family members, membership organization, land tenurial status, average
family annual income of the respondents
Variable F Percentage (%)
Main Occupation
Farming 323 86.13
Business 30 8.00
Gov't Employee 15 4.00
Private Employee 7 1.87
Total 375 100.00
Number of Family Members
1-3 206 54.93
4-6 129 34.40
7-9 40 10.68
Total 375 100.00
Membership Organization
Farmers Association 101 26.93
Farmers’ Cooperative 274 73.07
Total 375 100.00
Land Tenurial Status
Owner 317 84.53
Tenant 27 7.20
Land Transfer Beneficiary 31 8.26
Total 375 100.00
Average Family Annual Income
Below 60,000 189 50.40
60,000-120,000 77 20.53
120-180,000 52 13.86
180-240,000 26 6.93
240-300,000 21 5.60
300 and above 10 2.67
Total 375 100.00
Descriptive analysis of the status of cacao production in Zamboanga del
Norte province in the Philippines
Cacao farm size, topography, frequency of soil analysis, clone
planted, and planting distance
The status of cacao production in Zamboanga del Norte in terms of cacao
farm size, topography, frequency of soil analysis, clone planted, and planting
distance is shown in Table 3.
For the cacao farm size, out of 375 respondents, 300 or 80% had farm
size of 1.0-3.0 hectares of cacao farm, 67 or 17.87% with less than one hectare,
5 or 1.33% with 4.0-6.0 hectare, 2 or 0.53% with 7.0-9.0 hectare, 1 or 0.27%
108110.0 hectare and above. This implies that most of the farm sizes utilized for
cacao production were small-scale 1.0 to 3.0 hectare, considering the cost of
production.
The most common topography of used farms was rolling with 178 or
47.47% followed by 151 or 40.27% plain topography, and 46 or 12.27% was
hilly. As of the frequency of soil analysis, 272 or 73.07% did not practice soil
analysis in their cacao farm, while the 101 or 26.93% practice soil analysis at
least once a year. This implies that the majority of farmers were not aware of
the value of soil analysis. Regarding the cacao varieties or clone are planted, the
most popular was BR 25 and UF 18, with 53. 13 and 49.87 % comprising the
100% percent of planted cacao in the province. All respondents used the
recommended planting distance of 3X3 square method with 375 or 100%.
Table 3. Status of Cacao production in terms of Cacao farm size, topography,
frequency of soil analysis, clone planted and planting distance
Variable F Percentage (%)
Cacao Farm Size (ha)
Less than 1 67 17.87
1.0-3.0 300 80.00
4.0-6.0 5 1.33
7.0-9.0 2 0.53
10.0 and above 1 0.27
Total 375 100.00
Topography
Plain 151 40.27
Rolling 178 47.47
Hilly 46 12.27
Total 375 100.00
Frequency of soil analysis
None 274 73.07
Once a year 101 26.93
Total 375 100.00
Varieties/Clone planted
UF 18 188 50.13
BR 25 187 49.87
Total 375 100.00
Planting distance in meters
3x3 375 100.00
Total 375 100.00
Kinds of intercrop planted, the farming system employed, common
cacao insect pest observed, degree of insect pest infestation, and kind of
applied chemical
The status of cacao production in Zamboanga del Norte in terms of
kinds of intercrop, the farming system employed, common cacao insect pest
observed, degree of insect pest infestation, and the kind of chemical applied in
1082International Journal of Agricultural Technology 2022Vol. 18(3):1075-1092
the farm is presented in Table 4. As for the types of intercrop planted, coconut
was the most widely used intercrops with 297 or 79.20%, 55 or 14.67 %
banana, 14 or 3.73% planted fruit trees, and 9 or 2.40% used rubber plant for
their intercrops. 372 or 99.2% used intercropping while 3 or 0.8% practice
monocropping.
The most observed insects in their farm were stem borer with 224 or
59.73%, 85 or 22.67% were bugs, 33 or 8.80% cacao pod borer, termites, and
thrips with 19 or 5.07%, and 14 or 3.73%, respectively. In terms of the degree
of insect infestation, the highest-rated scale was low with 297 or 79.2%, very
low with 72 or 19.2% and 6 or 1.6% rated the high scale of infestation. For the
kind of applied chemical, 324 or 86.40% used lamdacyhalothrin (karate, Y-
kurat), 44 or 11.73% cypermethrin (cymbush or magnum, etc), and 7 or 1.87%
used cartap hydroxide (blizzard, star cartap and leap cartap).
Table 4. Status of cacao production in terms of kinds of intercrop planted,
farming system employed, common cacao insect pest observed, degree of insect
pest infestation and kind of chemical applied
Variable F Percentage ( %)
Kinds of intercrops planted
Rubber 9 2.40
Coconut 297 79.20
Banana 55 14.67
Fruit trees 14 3.73
Total 375 100.00
Farming system employed
Monocroping 3 0.80
Intercropping 372 99.20
Total 375 100.00
Common cacao insect pest observed
Cacao pod borer 33 8.80
Stem borer 224 59.73
Bugs 85 22.67
Thrips 14 3.73
Termite 19 5.07
Total 375 100.00
Degree of insect infestation
Very low 72 19.20
Low 297 79.20
High 6 1.60
Total 375 100.00
If using chemical control, kind of chemical
applied cypermethrin ( 44 11.73
cymbush, magnum, etc.)
Cartap Hydroxide ( blizzard, star cartap, leap 7 1.87
cartap )
Lamdacyhalothrin ( karate, Y- Kurat ) 324 86.40
Total 382 100.00
1083Common cacao diseases observed, degree of disease incidence,
method of pest control, kind of pesticide used and the frequency of
pesticide application
The common cacao diseases were observed by the respondents, 199 or
53.06% was vascular streak dieback, 105 or 28% cacao pod rot, stem canker
disease with 71 or 18.93%, 278 or 74.13% low scale of disease incidence, 93 or
24.80% with very low, 3 or 0.80% high scale, and 1 or 0.27% very high scale.
In terms of the method of pest control, the use of the chemical was the
most frequent remedy with 201 or 53.60%, 174 or 46.40% used cultural
method.
As for the frequency of synthetic pesticide application, 356 or 94.93%
followed the recommended rate of 14 days intervals while 19 or 5.07% when
the need is arised.
Table 5. Status of cacao production in terms of common cacao diseases
observed, degree of disease incidence, method of pest control, kind of pesticide
used, and the frequency of pesticide application
Variable F Percentage (%)
Common cacao diseases observed
Cacao pod rot 105 28.00
Vascular streak Dieback 199 53.06
Stem canker 71 18.93
Total 375 100.00
Degree of disease incidence
Very low 93 24.80
Low 278 74.13
High 3 0.80
Very High 1 0.27
Total 375 100.00
Method of pest control
Cultural 174 46.40
Chemical 201 53.60
Total 375 100.00
Kinds of pesticide used
Organic 0 0.00
Synthetic 375 100.00
Total 375 100.00
Frequency of pesticide application
14 days interval 356 94.93
If the need arises/optional 19 5.07
Total 375 100.00
Frequency of weeding per year, weeding method adopted, period of
farm establishment, frequency of fertilizer application, and volume of
fertilizer applied per hectare
The status of cacao production in Zamboanga del Norte in terms of
frequency of weeding per year, weeding method adopted, period of farm
1084International Journal of Agricultural Technology 2022Vol. 18(3):1075-1092
establishment, frequency of fertilizer application, and volume of fertilizer
applied per hectare is presented in Table 6. For weeding frequency, 170 or
45.33% did weeding twice a year, 114 or 30.40% every quarter, 91 or 24. 27%
on a monthly basis. This implies that weeds are properly managed to facilitate
the ease of pruning and harvesting. For the farm establishment, 336 or 90.13%
is established their farm for 2 years, 33 or 8.80% for 3-5 years, and 4 or 1.07%
6-10 years. In terms of frequency of fertilizer application, 330 or 88% applied
fertilizer four times a year, 21 or 5.6%, 18 or 4.8%, 3 or 0.8%, and 3 or 0.8%
twice a year, three times a year, once a year, and every month, respectively.
With the volume of used fertilizer 319 or 85.07% is used 1-3 bags per hectare,
20 or 5.33% use 4-6 bags per hectare, 19 or 5.06% is used 10 bags, and 17 or 4.
53% is used 7-9 bags per hectare.
Table 6. Status of cacao production in terms of frequency of weeding per year,
weeding method adopted, period of farm establishment, frequency of fertilizer
application, and volume of fertilizer applied per hectare
Variable F Percentage (%)
Frequency of weeding per year
Monthly 91 24.27
Every quarter 114 30.40
Twice a year 170 45.33
Total 375 100.00
Weeding method adapted
Manual 101 26.93
Combination Man/Chem 135 36.00
Chemical 139 37.07
Total 375 100.00
Period of farm establishment
2 years 338 90.13
3-5 years 33 8.80
6-10 years 4 1.07
Total 375 100.00
Frequency of fertilizer application
every month 3 0.80
twice a year 21 5.60
3 times a year 18 4.80
4 times a year 330 88.00
Once a year 3 0.80
Total 375 100.00
Volume of Fertilizer applied per ha
1-3 bags 319 85.06
4-6 bags 20 5.33
7-9 bags 17 4.53
10 bags 19 5.06
Total 375 100.00
1085Product sold, cacao farm gate price per kilo, system of marketing,
and volume of production per tree per year
The status of cacao production in Zamboanga del Norte in terms of
cacao product sold, cacao farm gate price per kilo, marketing system, and
volume of production per tree per year are presented in Table 7. The
respondents indicated more than one type of product sold with 224 or 59.73 %
dispose of dried beans, 139 or 3.07 % wet beans, and 12 or 3.20 % fermented
beans. As to the selling price, the respondents sold their beans at 81.00-100.00
pesos per kilogram and directly marketed through the cooperative with 375 or
100% of the respondents indicated as to the volume of production per tree per
year, 190 or 50.67% produce 0.5-1.5 kg per tree per year, 93 or 24.80% with
1.6-2.5 kg per tree per year, and 92 or 24.53% with 2.6-3.5 kg per tree per year.
Table 7. Status of cacao production in terms of product sold, cacao farm gate
price per kilo, system of marketing, and volume of production per tree per year
Variable F Percentage (%)
Product sold
Wet 139 37.07
Fermented 12 3.20
Dried 224 59.73
Total 375 100.00
Cacao farm gate price per kilo
PHP 81-100 375 100.00
Total 375 100.00
System of marketing
Through the cooperative 375 100.00
Total 375 100.00
Volume of production per tree per year ( kg )
0.5-1.5 190 50.67
1.6-2.5 93 24.80
2.6-3.5 92 24.53
Total 375 100.00
Descriptive analysis of the challenges in cacao farming encountered by the
cacao farmers
Challenges encountered by cacao farmers
The challenges encountered by cacao farmers-respondents in Zamboanga
del Norte is presented in Table 8. The data showed that the cost of maintenance
like cleaning/brushing and lack of laborers as rank 1 with both 232 respondents,
farm to market road as rank 3 with 184; rank 4 technical knowledge, rank 5
post-harvest facilities, rank 6 cost of farm inputs like fertilizers and chemicals,
stealing of pods as rank 7, presence of stray animals in the plantation, high
degree of disease incidence, supplier of quality planting materials and low
1086International Journal of Agricultural Technology 2022Vol. 18(3):1075-1092
production yield as rank 8,9,10 and 11, respectively, transportation cost,
absence of cacao technicians, peace and order situation, and the distance of the
cacao plantation to market as rank 12, 13 and 14, and rank 15.
Table 8. Challenges encountered of cacao farmers in Zamboanga del Norte
Province in the Philippines
Variable F Rank
Cost of maintenance like cleaning/brushing 232 1.5
Lack of laborers 232 1.5
Farm to market road 184 3
Technical knowledge 100 4
Post-harvest facilities 96 5
Cost of farm inputs like fertilizers and chemicals 84 6
Stealing of pods 39 7
Presence of stray animals in the plantation 37 8
High degree of disease incidence 31 9
Supplier of quality planting materials 26 10.5
Low production/yield 26 10.5
Transportation cost 20 12
Absence of cacao technicians 13 13
Peace and order situation 11 14
Distance of the cacao plantation to the market center 10 15
Market outlet 3 17
Price Fluctuation 3 17
Information campaign conducted by authorities 3 17
Descriptive analysis on the prospects and suggested solutions of farmers for
the cacao production
Prospects of farmers for their cacao production
The potential areas planted with cacao by the farmers in the province of
Zamboanga del Norte is presented in Table 9. Farmers indicated that they were
targeting to plant more cacao. The vacant area potential for planting cacao
ranged from 1-3 hectares as rank 1 with 333 or 88% and 3-6 hectares as rank 2
or 7.73%. However, some farmers indicated none.
Table 9. Potential areas that can be planted with cacao
Variable F Rank
1-3 ha 333 1
3-6 ha 29 2
None 13 3
Support services extended by the Department of Agriculture, Local
Government Unit and non-government units
The support services extended by the Department of Agriculture, Local
Government Unit, and non-government units are as follows: free planting
1087materials, credit assistance, seminar on cacao production as rank 1, 2, and 3,
post-harvest facilities as rank 4, technical assistance as rank 5, organized as
cooperative as rank 6, price support as rank 7, market linkages as rank 8, and
farm to market road as rank 9 as seen in Table 10.
Table 10. Support services extended by the Department of Agriculture, Local
Government, and non-government organization
Variable F Rank
Free planting materials 304 1
Credit assistance 242 2
Conducted seminar on cacao production 100 3
Post-harvest facilities 99 4
Technical assistance 81 5
to demand a good price 69 6
Price support 45 7
Market linkages 34 8.5
Farm to Market Road 34 8.5
Organized them into cooperative
Suggested solution of farmers to increase cacao production in
Zamboanga del Norte province in the Philippines
The suggested solutions by the cacao farmer-respondents for the
challenges encountered is shown in Table 11. The data revealed that free
planting materials and farm inputs as rank 1, seminar on pest awareness, post-
harvest facilities assistance, presence of cacao experts, farmers training, and
farm supervision as rank 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively, technical assistance as rank
6, price stability as rank 7, and guaranteed market outlet and price as rank 8.
This implies that the farmers needed assistance on planting materials and farm
inputs such as fertilizer and other chemical inputs for more cacao production.
Table 11. Suggested solution of farmers to increase cacao production
Variable F Rank
Free planting materials and farm inputs 187 1
Seminar on pest awareness 113 2
Post-harvest facilities assistance 112 3
Presence of cacao Doctors 109 4
Farmer’s training and supervision 85 5
Technical assistance 84 6
Price stability 41 7
Guaranteed Market Outlet/Price 36 8
Discussion
Cacao has become a priority high valued crop in the Philippines because
of the increased market demand and persistently favorable prices. The
Philippines, with its cocoa bean production capacity, may benefit from rising
1088International Journal of Agricultural Technology 2022Vol. 18(3):1075-1092
worldwide demand and the need for new players in the value chain (DTI,
2017). This study aimed to establish baseline data for the cacao production
status, challenges encountered, and prospects of cacao farmers in Zamboanga
del Norte.
Given that older people tended to stay in villages while younger people
tended to go into cities for education, trade training, and the pursuit of white-
collar employment, a more significant percentage of cacao farmers are fallen
into the older age group above 50 years old with educated at the secondary
level. The demographic profile of farmers' results corroborated with several
studies, which showed that farmers were primarily old age and with low
educational backgrounds. The majority were married (Lirag, 2021; Villaver et
al., 2021; Yaw et al., 2001). Moreover, this industry in the province is
dominated by males. Nonetheless, in farming, gender difference had no
significantly affected on the cacao plantation establishment and management
(Valleser et al., 2020a) and coffee production (Ngeywo et al., 2015).
Furthermore, many cocoa farmers (54.93%) were from families with 1-3
individuals, and most of them were members of a farmers' cooperative. By
implication, it is a reasonable assumption that cacao farmers were collaborated
with other cacao farmers to share their knowledge and experiences in cacao
production.
Farmers' principal source of income come from the selling of cocoa
beans, with many of them receiving an annual income of 60,000 pesos or less
per year on their farms. The result is consistent with Peprah (2015), who
reported that farmers gained cash from selling cocoa beans and used to support
the farming family's ongoing sustenance. With the low income generated, it is
understood that cacao farmers have started in the cocoa industry with limited
financial resources, resulting in financial loans. On the other hand, Cacao
farmers had an advantage over other crop farmers since they owned the land
they cultivated, unlike corn farmers, who were primarily tenants (Villaver et al.,
2021). Moreover, it was found that cacao farmers who owned the land they
cultivated perform well compared to plantations maintained by tenants and
employees (Valleser et al., 2020b).
Most farmers have farmed cacao in an area of 1.0-3.0 hectares of land for
cacao production. The same result was seen among cacao farmers in Camarines
Sur province in the Philippines (Lirag, 2021). BR25 and UF18 cacao were the
most commonly planted cacao kinds among Zamboanga del Norte farmers
because of this attribute. Valleser and colleagues (2020) described BR25 and
UF18 cacao cultivars with good yields and tolerance to harsh conditions like
brighter light. Cacao farmers have also employed a 3 x 3 square meter approach
to correct planting distances.
Moreover, the planted land is characterized mainly by rolling topography.
A similar study postulated that cacao farms in the Philippines consisted of
rugged topography (Nabua et al., 2013). Farmers practiced intercropping almost
1089exclusively (99.2% of the time). In the intercrop farming system, coconut was
the most planted, along with cacao and banana. The intercropping farming
system was practiced across all cacao farmers in the province. The method of
intercrop, in particular, was attributed to four reasons by Javier (2015) why
coconut has continued to be the Philippines' leading industrial perennial crop.
One of these reasons is the potential to maximize the amount of sunshine that
filters through the trees by planting intercrops of annuals and perennials.
Intensive double canopy farming generates extra employment, increases food
production, lowers food prices for everyone, and provides additional money to
coconut farmers, frequently exceeding the revenue generated.
In this study, common pests in cocoa were identified. Stem borers are the
most common pest encountered by cacao farmers in the province, followed by
bugs and cacao pod borer. Similar study in Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa also
discovered that stem borer are the main pest that attack cacao plants (Balineau
et al., 2016). However, in Zamboanga del Norte province, pests infestation was
managed using chemical pesticides by spray application, mainly
lamdacyhalothrin (karate,Y-kurat). In Africa, pest control and eradication were
done by spraying and boosting cacao production in the area (Nnaji, 2011).
There were cacao plant diseases identified by the farmers presented in their
plants. Vascular streak dieback (Ceratobasidium theobromae) was identified as
the primary disease in cacao farms in the province, followed by cacao pod rot.
According to McMahon & Purwantara (2016c), vascular streak dieback is one
of the most devastating cacao disease endemic in the Southeast
Asian/Melanesian region, causing branch dieback and infections capable of
killing seedlings and mature cacao trees. Nonetheless, farmers in the province
controlled and managed this cacao disease using the chemical spray at 14 days
intervals as recommended.
Farmers in the province also practiced manual, chemical, or combination
of both weeding methods twice a year. The cacao farms in Zamboanga del
Norte were almost all (90.13%) cacao farms were established two years ago,
and most of them (88%) applied fertilizer four times a year. Almost all farmers
used 1-3 bags of fertilizer per hectare. Cacao is a type of tree that grows year
after year. Observations from the province showed that cacao growers did not
make regular weekly visiting their farms, even though the crop had began
producing pods for two years after field transplanting (Valleser et al., 2020c).
The respondents indicated more than one type of product sold, but the most
market is dried (59.73%) at P81.00-100.00 pesos per kilo. This result was
further supported by Lirag (2021) that cacao beans sold at Php 85.00 per kilo of
dried cacao beans. However, the price could increase by Php 100.00 to Php
150.00, if the beans are sorted before being sold. Many of the respondents
produced 0.5-1.5 kg per tree per year.
Activities such as pruning, sowing seeds, and other related activities were
seen as an essential part of growing cacao (Valleser et al., 2020a). These
1090International Journal of Agricultural Technology 2022Vol. 18(3):1075-1092
activities were the challenges among farmers in Zamboanga del Norte Province.
Cost of maintenance like cleaning/brushing/pruning and lack of laborers were
the significant challenges which encountered by cacao farmers. Additionally,
farm-to-market road, technical knowledge, post-harvest facilities, and cost of
farm inputs like fertilizers and chemicals also contributed to cacao farmers'
challenges. Farmers are also identified an area of 1-3 hectares potential for
planting cacao trees.
However, farmers from the province received support from the
Department of Agriculture, the Local Government Unit, and Non-
Governmental Organizations. The most common services offered to farmers
were free planting materials, credit assistance, conducted seminars on cacao
production, and post-harvest facilities for processing cacao products. These
activities and support are concerned a way to offers opportunity for farmers to
engage in cacao farming and productivity (Vadnjal and Pelomo, 2014).
The solution to problems and challenges identified by cacao farmers to
sustain their farms are continued provision of cacao planting materials and farm
inputs. Seminars on pest identification and control, post-harvest facilities
assistance, and farmers' training can also boost productivity. Farmers
understood the presence of cacao experts to guide them in cacao farming as an
essential aspect in growing and cultivating cacao.
The study concluded that cacao farming in Zamboanga del Norte
province was a nascent industry requiring relevant stakeholders' support. The
presence of supportive organizations to farmers ensured that the industry of
cacao production would thrive in the years to come. As the cacao industry
progressed, several technologies were already developed; thus, problems in
cacao farming, growing practices, and farm management was less likely seen as
a burden to farmers in Zamboanga del Norte. Nonetheless, farm maintenance
was one of the critical factors which burden cacao farmers in sustaining their
farms as they are mainly earned from selling cacao seeds. Although cacao seed
was reasonably priced in the province, farmers' output was still low because
their cocoa trees were in the growth stage and were aged two years or younger.
Farmers used intercropping practices extensively, with coconut and cacao being
the most planted crops in their farms. However, post-harvest processing to add
value to cacao produce was needed by farmers as this would increase their
potential profit from cacao farming instead of selling cacao seed after harvest.
Moreover, the province has the potential for cacao production as it indicated
that most cacao farmers had 1 to 3 hectares of land. Substantial knowledge on
cacao farming, reasonable price for cacao products, and the support system for
farmers will lead to a long-term impact on the cacao industry in the province of
Zamboanga del Norte.
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(Received: 9 October 2021, accepted: 20 March 2022)
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